Herriman Pageant Winners Pride Themselves On Giving Back

Participating in a pageant can seem intimidating. Just knowing you are in a competition with your peers can rattle the nerves. According to pageant director Sarah Pettit, the rewards that are received and the lessons that are learned by just being part of the pageant are worth the moxie you might need to muster to sign up.

“Our Miss Herriman contestants do so much for the community,” Pettit said. “From mentoring a little miss to working on their personal platforms and fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network, to preparing for a personal interview and talent. These ladies do much more preparation than what you see the night of the pageant. I believe firmly that you do not have to win Miss Herriman to be successful in the Miss Herriman program. The Miss Herriman experience will give contestants other sparking gifts that go beyond a crown, gifts that they will utilize in their everyday lives. Overall, I believe Miss Herriman helps young women lead more successful and confident lives.”

The Miss Herriman pageant, like other city pageants, is a scholarship program. The pageant is a way for young women ages 17-23 to not just compete for a title and win scholarship money, but to learn about themselves, prepare for professional interviews, public speaking, serve their community and find their voice and opinions.

Tanesha Bland was crowned the new Miss Herriman in April for 2015. A graduate of Herriman High School, Tanesha will be a student at Utah Valley University in the fall and a member of the dance team. She decided to compete in the pageant because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.

“My Platform is Everyday H.E.R.O.E.S and Heroes is an acronym for Helping Everyone Render Outstanding and Effective Service,” Tanesha said. “My goal is to teach young kids about the importance of service and the positive effects it can and will have in the community, as well as the positive effects giving service can have on them throughout their lifetime. I hope to unite the community in a positive and service-oriented way.”

Tanesha plans to continue serving others in her future goals of becoming a pediatric nurse. The call to serve others and make a difference in the community in which they live is the universal platform that the Miss Herriman pageant inspires. Girls who might shy away from the competitive aspect of the program should not be discouraged to participate.

“The thing that helped me most with preparing for the pageant while I was nervous was having fun,” Tanesha said. “Find ways to prepare that interest you because it makes the process so enjoyable. I would also create a connection with as many girls as you can because you’re all in it together and there is nothing better than supporting your friends.”